"Lupus" means "wolf" in Latin. There are several explanations as to why the word was chosen to describe the disease we now know as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
The most common explanation I have read about is that the common butterfly rash seen on the nose and cheeks of lupus patients is similar to the facial markings of a wolf.
However, the explanation that I like best is one I came across while searching for a picture of "lupus wolf." I think it is a wonderfully artsy analogy between the animal and the disease.
Has anyone heard of other explanations or have other thoughts?
- a little lupie -
"wolf in sheep's clothing"
ReplyDelete- it appears similar to any number of other conditions. Told by a registrar, haven't heard it anywhere else.